Emerson Spice - Zanzibar

Historic boutique hotel in Stone Town with rooftop dining and themed rooms

Accommodations

Emerson Spice is a restored 1860s merchant house offering 11 individually decorated rooms. Each room includes a private balcony, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. The top-floor Kate room has two balconies and an open-air bathtub but requires climbing six flights of stairs.

Dining

The hotel operates two on-site restaurants. The rooftop Tea House Restaurant serves a multi-course seafood tasting menu that changes based on the day's catch, with sunset views over Stone Town. The Secret Garden restaurant offers local dishes like coconut curry and goat biryani, with live music on Friday evenings.

Location

Located within Stone Town's pedestrian-only alleyways, Emerson Spice is 300 metres from the beach and a 10-minute walk from the Old Fort. The hotel provides staff to meet guests at the nearest car park and carry luggage through narrow streets. Popular attractions like the House of Wonders and Old Dispensary are within 500 metres.

Services

Zanzibar Emerson Spice arranges airport transfers and guided walking tours of Stone Town. A group tipping system covers all staff, and turn-down service is provided each evening. The front desk can book dhow trips and other excursions.

Historical Character

The building was once a spice merchant's home, and its original wood-carved doors and antique furnishings remain. Each room is named after a historical figure, such as Kate (Katharine Hepburn) or Desdemona. An information booklet in each room explains the history of the hotel and its founder Emerson.

• Accommodations: 11 themed rooms with balconies
• Dining: Rooftop seafood tasting menu & Secret Garden
• Location: Stone Town center, 300m from beach
• Services: Airport transfers & guided tours
• Historical: 1860s merchant house with antiques